Are you scouring the Internet or an antique store urn for ideal Week 13 NFL Survivor Pool picks? Winging it usually doesn’t get the job done. So, how should we strategize with an eye toward the rest of the season? Let’s talk survivor pool NFL betting strategy, and optimal team picks.
NFL Week 13 Survivor Pool Picks
Picking one team that is a virtual certainty to win each week sounds easy in theory. However, most NFL survivor pool rules dictate that you can’t select the same team twice.
Sometimes it’s best to lock in a nearly guaranteed win. Other times, it’s better to take a chance to preserve safer options for later. Before we get into this week’s picks, let’s walk through last week’s strategy and results.
In Week 12, I advised readers to pick the Miami Dolphins over the Houston Texans. I’d saved Miami for more than half the season, waiting for the right moment to recommend them. And this was it.
Miami had hit 30+ points in each of their previous three games — an incredible display of offensive prowess and sterling execution. This team was locked in, and they needed only one half to score 30 again against the overmatched Texans.
As a backup option, I also recommended the underrated Washington Commanders versus the overvalued Atlanta Falcons. Washington took care of business with stout defense and an ascending backfield led by Brian Robinson Jr.
Last week, I shared my belief that Washington had a better shot at making the playoffs than the Giants. The prediction makes even more sense heading into Week 13.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ Thanksgiving victory over the Patriots was nothing short of impressive. New England locked down Dalvin Cook, forcing the hit-or-miss Kirk Cousins to win through the air. Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and T.J. Hockenson stepped up against one of the toughest pass defenses.
As strange as it might sound, Minnesota should have an easier time against the Jets. Mike White thrived against a Bears defense with the second-fewest sacks. Against an immobile QB like White, it was a great matchup for New York.
Minnesota has a much better pass rush and a far more prolific passing attack than anything the Jets have faced since Week 9. And Michael Carter’s injury — if serious — would be a net negative for a backfield contending with a capable Vikings run D.
Yes, Zonovan Knight might be one of the most popular pickups on fantasy waivers this week. But he ran through a Bears defense that entered last week leading the NFL in rushing TDs (18) while averaging a healthy 4.7 yards per carry.
MORE: Early Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups
A case could be made that New York’s formidable defense can keep Minnesota in check. While the Vikes were completely shut down by Dallas, they scored 33 points against the Bills and Patriots. And that’s just in the last three weeks — perhaps the toughest three-week stretch for any team this season.
I’m banking on an overwhelmed Mike White and (potentially) undermanned Jets backfield to lose this contest by 12+ points. Start the Vikes in your Survivor pool with confidence — or as much confidence as we can fathom in Week 13.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If you want a backup option, the strangely 5-6 Buccaneers are in a pretty good spot at home on Monday Night Football. They’re coming off a tough road defeat to the still-hanging-on Browns. Rachaad White showed he can handle bell cow duties just fine. But they blew a late fourth-quarter lead and lost in overtime.
It’s the same story for Tampa Bay: a strong defense that sometimes falls flat, and an exceptional offense (on paper) that still hasn’t gotten in sync. A weaker offensive line isn’t helping, and Tom Brady’s working harder to manufacture yards.
Mike Evans’ flop was most glaring: two catches for 31 scoreless yards on nine targets — his worst reception and yardage totals of the season. Of course, it wasn’t entirely his fault, and I believe he and Brady will adjust against the Saints’ middling defense.
No doubt, we should be concerned that New Orleans is among the league leaders in sacks. But back in Week 2, Tampa Bay beat them 20-10 because . . . well, partly because Alvin Kamara was sidelined. But also, the Bucs committed to the run. In fact, it marked one of only three times this year when Brady’s thrown fewer than 40 passes.
The 4-8 Saints are almost mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, even in the surprisingly weak NFC South. I expect Tampa Bay to bury them.